Stuart A

LMS twins I reckon.....

I still think there is untapped potential for more 20'9" chassis wagons. The VDA has been a gaping hole for forever (I know there was a TPM kit back in the day, and now available from the N Gauge Society - but you need a chassis and roof to complete). Along with it VBA's, VCA's, departmental variants. But now there is a competitor with Rapido producing the OAA, perhaps they will be from that stable (along with OTAs)

Likewise 10-12 in ARC as a starter....

I had an email from Trainline promoting this. Looked at a ticket middle of February to London from Accrington - my nearest local station. I know there are two possible routes - to Preston then Avanti to Euston, or to Leeds then LNER to KX (my preferred option) Inputting Accrington to London (Any) only brought up the Preston option. If I add "via Leeds" it only offers Accrington - Leeds - Sheffield - London St Pancras (2 changes 4 hours 54 minutes) But at least the latter option shows the fare is "in the sale" I've just tried using the Northern app and get the same results so there's something amiss which is ignoring the LNER offering (anything to do with those new LNER fares?)

Sad to see Shirebrook being sold on- but it makes TINGS a must go to show next year to see it's potential last outing. Will the stock be sold separately or with the layout?

I'd say at least 1965, as the 5mph speed limit signs were in the new style at the time due to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions - introduced 1st Jan 1965. But I would say later as I imagine speed limit signs for private property wouldn't have been adopted straight away.

For some inspiration, take a look at the excellent Chandwell. Also how about a freight transfer facility, such as could be found at Gilbraith's in Blackburn - I can't find many photos, but there is mention of it on RMWeb. I've seen a picture of a 66 with Cargowaggons there. The shed is still visible on google maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Ng7wMca2yBtaitm6

ooh if those Royal 47's had been the Res versions......

Bloody fat fingers !

Another positive announcement for N gauge. It is good to see that there are extended runs of models with alternative running numbers. I would imagine next year there will be a fair few class 47's announced with some regional exclusives (could I please have 47475 in provincial, 47973 in Midland Counties maroon and a Crewe allocated Stanlow Petroleum example please). It'll be difficult not to be tempted by a RR 158.....

I was in the right place at the right time on Saturday night at Kings Cross

Unboxed and they are lovely little models. Quite a large coupling gap which shorter shank couplings will hopefully improve. One of the coupling boxes fell off when unboxing, so take care when removing from packaging. I'll use that particular one as the end wagon in the rake. Just wondering if it's worth me finishing off the 10 C-Rail kits I started many moons ago.

Postie has delivered 😊

Yes. A separate thread has recently been started here

They certainly look the part. The couplings seem to droop a bit, but will go back up when manually moved. Not sure if it's a spring inside the coupling pocket.

Came across this photo this morning. Could be a model! Derek Thompson D17967 - 975025+37418 Loch Awe 23-08-23 from Flickr

Not sure I've seen many with the boxes. Close approximation could be eBay link Although the ladder is not on the end. Fleishmann appear to do a closer one in HO annoyingly

Cleaning the front of the Azuma I'd just arrived on from Leeds last Wednesday

Derek Elston on Flickr Tony Dennett on Flicker Keith Long on Flickr Just saying.....

The coal liveried choice of 56054 also doesn't have a long life span in that guise - less than 6 months. From some Flickr searches it can be deduced; August 1989 - May 1993 - Trainload Coal livery, Unnamed May 1993 - November 1993 Trainload Coal livery, Named 'BRITISH STEEL LLANWERN' November 1993 - June 1995 Trainload Metals livery Named 'BRITISH STEEL LLANWERN' July 1995 - late 2000's until scrapped Transrail 3tg livery Named 'BRITISH STEEL LLANWERN' I'm not trying to be critical here, just think one of the class members that wore the livery for more than 6 months would hold more appeal.

I see they are sticking with 131 for the large logo version. I pointed out on the Dapol Digest in 2021 that 131 only wore large logo for around 3 years, then when named in '87 it got regular sized numbers, then it was repainted into trainload coal in 1989. I mentioned that in 1992, there were still 3 in Large Logo, 56119, 56124 and 56126 and Neil said they were going to change it to 119. Not sure the Dapol digest is still a thing as I can't login anymore. Good news on the re-tooling and additional liveries though.

One of the most encouraging things about this announcement I think is the release of the 90 in already existing liveries. Hoping this will lead to more locos of the same class being available in similar liveries - allowing greater variation in fleets without the need for renumbering etc

Possibly Bachmann's decided to compete with Hornby's TT offering with an enhanced N gauge range?

I headed to Brands Hatch this weekend for the Super Touring Power weekend. On the way down, on Friday stopped at Frinkley Lane crossing between Grantham and Newark, and managed to see three of the class in one and a half hours.

Happened to be in Kent on Friday heading to Brands Hatch. Planned to go to the observation point next to the Medway viaduct, only to find it now fenced off. Went a bit further south, and whilst waiting for a few Eurostars, was surprised to see this pair on HS1. 92015 hauling 92019 that looks to have been in storage for a long time.